Since Margaret Dobson moved herself and her children to the castle, much has changed; though maintaining, running and restoring the castle remains very much a family affair.

Extended Dobson Family

Around ten family members from three generations of the family live at the castle. The extended family, now numbering over thirty and growing, take active roles in all areas of castle life whether they live locally or hundred of miles away.

You might have met many of the family as they take weekly Tours, and staff our Craft Fairs and other public events but they work extensively behind the scenes too: managing our holiday let, running the booking systems for Tours and Events, contributing to this website, managing social media, gardening, cleaning, painting, plastering, maintaining IT systems, bookkeeping, and in countless other ways.

Who are we?

Alison & Richard

You might find Alison mixing distemper paint, or Richard crawling through the roof space. Or you might know them as the main contact point for weddings and other events.

Or maybe you came across one or other on a tour. Suffice to say not much happens at the castle without their involvement on some level whether as organisers, caterers or just essential backup.

Elizabeth

Elizabeth had already left home before the family moved to the castle, but despite never living here is vital to our success. Not least in the Herculean task of masterminding the cafés that support our twice annual craft fairs, and cooking until the early hours to ensure that we have enough for each day.

James & Sharon

Despite living at the other end of the country, for many visitors James is the first family member they will have contact with as he responds to requests to book Quartermaster's and to reserve places on Castle Tours.

Oliver

Multiple reviewers have commented on how much they appreciated castle tours they took with Oliver as their guide. He also manages the Dobson Books collection as is ever present in Café Express during Craft Fairs.

Edmund & Shirley

Often working behind the scenes, day-to-day life at the castle wouldn't be the same without them. Ensuring that Quartermaster's is clean and ready for each new guest; hauling furniture around the building to prepare rooms for the next event; and taking a key role supporting Elizabeth with Craft Fair catering

William

Each Craft Fair involves over 70 stallholders, each of which have their own particular requirements. This adds up to a lot of email traffic that William handles expertly.

Mary-Jo

Mary-Jo has the less-than-straightforward task of ensuring that the books balance, the VAT is calculated correctly and that the castle remains a going concern. She copes with this admirably.

Tom & Ulli

Tom knows the ins and outs, nooks and crannies of the castle better than anyone and is key to keeping the place in good condition. There's not very much he doesn't know about the maintenance required and what there is he learns fast.

Ulli runs the Café Burgschneider in the castle gatehouse four days a week.

Pip

Since 2021, Pip has been the main organiser of our Craft Fairs, leading the recovery after Covid. As an artist themselves, they double up as exhibitor during the event.

Clare & Mark

Organising family fun events such as Dragons Arise and Jemima Puddle-Duck, and supporting with Craft Fair organisation, Clare doesn't let the physical distance from the castle prevent full involvement.

Mark never expected a career in marketing, but he can be found running social media campaigns, managing ticketing, and writing website copy.

Will & Jordan

Most likely to be spotted in bright overalls helping manage the car parking during Craft Fairs.

Matt & Emma

Matt put his IT skills to the test when masterminding the installation of a Wifi network through much of the castle. Though the thick stone walls were not designed for such technology, it has proved itself invaluable.